Reading is undeniably a key wellness practice—and one that many of us have ignored for far too long. It's proven to build empathy, reduce stress, and even lessen sugar cravings (yes, really!). With that in mind, we're excited to share Well Read, a column that curates the absolute best fiction and narrative nonfiction picks of the month. Here's what you should read this October. (Want more book inspo? Here are the picks for June, July, August, September, and October.)

The Latecomers by Helen Klein Ross

Bridey Molloy sails to the United States from Ireland in 1908, only to be left pregnant and alone when her fiance dies mid-journey. Forced to give up her son for adoption, she takes work as a maid for the Hollingsworth family. The Latecomers traces the descendants of the Molloys and the Hollingsworths from the early 20th century to the present day (the opening scene takes place on September 11, 2001), with over 15 primary characters portrayed in vignettes throughout the book. With secrets spanning generations and the influence of history poking in on every page, this is a grand, sweeping, generation-spanning novel that will leave you breathless. The Latecomers by Helen Klein Ross (November 6)

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The former first lady and public icon is releasing her first memoir, and we're paying attention. In Becoming, the first African American to hold her position in the White House reflects with candor on her road to success, from her childhood on Chicago's South Side to the way she approached her national role to her evolving thoughts on motherhood. She's the woman who got America to move and eat our vegetables—now, she'll make us laugh, cry, and be inspired by her unlikely and impressive journey. Becoming by Michelle Obama (November 13)

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

If you were one of the millions who devoured Moriarty's best-selling Big Little Lies(or became addicted to the subsequent HBO show), get ready, because her next book has even more intrigue, scandal, and laugh-out-loud moments. Nine Perfect Strangers brings together, well, nine people at a remote health resort. They're all there to indulge in meditation, yoga, and other healing practices to challenge their notions of identity and self and evolve as humans—but each of them harbors a game-changing secret. Moriarty is known for page-turners and hyper-realistic characters (seriously, you know all of these people), and this novel is no exception. You'll finish it in a few days but be talking about it for weeks after. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty (November 6)

Little by Edward Carey

Littlewill transport you to 18th-century Paris, where the young Anne Marie Grosholtz—nicknamed, due to her stature, as "Little"—is orphaned before apprenticing for a physician who does wax models. The child grows up to be Madame Tussaud of the famous wax museums—but not before facing her fair share of intrigue, hurdles, and, of course, a bit of romance. Dickensian in tone, this dark and twisty novel will suck you in from the very first pages. Populated with real-life historical figures (although, the author notes, it is merely based on fact, as parts of Grozholtz's life are "rather vague, sometimes untrustworthy"), the book touches on the French Revolution, life at Versailles, and more—while never losing the rich, emotional heart of the characters. The beautiful, macabre illustrations throughout the work only add to the fun. Little by Edward Carey (October 23)

The Kinship of Secrets by Eugenia Kim

When a family emigrates to the United States in 1948, they're forced to leave one of their infant daughters in South Korea with extended family. They intend to send for her immediately, but war breaks out—and as a result, two sisters are raised worlds apart. When Inja moves from South Korea to Washington, D.C., to join her parents and sister, she's forced to contemplate the notion of what makes a "real" family and home. Loosely based on the author's own life, the book offers an unseen look at the consequences of the Korean War—the "forgotten war," Kim notes—and the challenge immigration poses to individuals and family units. It's fascinating for historical perspective but primarily for its insights into human emotions and relationships. The Kinship of Secrets by Eugenia Kim (November 6)